MC News

Sunset Café opens in Clayton Center

MC, Clayton Center announce opening of Sunset Café

October 26, 2016

Maryville College and the Clayton Center for the Arts announce that the café space in the Recital Hall Building at the Clayton Center will be leased by Sunset Café, operated by Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise.

The café will open at 11 a.m., Nov. 1. A ribbon cutting and official opening is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m., Nov. 7.

“After working diligently for the past few years to find the right group to partner with in the café space, we were excited when it was suggested that Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise would be the right fit," said Blake Smith, general manager of the Clayton Center. "They have a reputation for great food, and they are a perfect fit for a cultural hub such as the Clayton Center. Sunset Café will certainly be a benefit to the patrons of the Clayton Center and to our community.”

Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise, located on East Broadway, is familiar for its authentic Jamaican food offered by owner Cheryl Williams and her husband, Chef Rocky, from Negril, Jamaica. Williams's daughter, Renetta Ogle, will manage the Sunset Café location.

When told by Tammi Ford of the Blount Partnership that the Clayton Center was searching for someone to take over the café space, Williams said, “I was excited. After several meetings, we decided that this is the perfect opportunity to bring the freshness, convenience and taste of our food to the Maryville College campus and others in the area who may not be familiar with Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise."

Hours for the café will be Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. As business grows, hours of operation may expand, depending upon events at the Clayton Center. Sunset Café will offer many of the dishes distinct to Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise, while also offering salads, soups and sandwiches for lunch. Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise is a multiple year Taste of Blount winner.

Maryville College President Dr. Tom Bogart said he is pleased to welcome another business to the space.

“When Silver Spoon Express was operating there, several people in the community came to campus on their lunch breaks and for meals before Clayton Center events,” he said, adding that he looks forward to seeing former customers and new diners at Sunset Café. “It’s important to us that local residents know Maryville College and the Clayton Center and feel at home here.”

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The Clayton Center for the Arts, located on the Maryville College campus and constructed through a unique partnership between the College and the cities of Maryville and Alcoa, is East Tennessee’s venue for arts and entertainment. As a gathering place for the community and the home of Maryville College fine and performing arts programs, the Clayton Center provides opportunities for the lifelong expression and appreciation of the arts.

Written by Cheri Compton, Director of Marketing for the Clayton Center for the Arts.